Erik ten Hag has admitted that the Manchester United squad spend so much time together that he and his staff don't contact them in their spare time. The Dutch manager appeared on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel to answer some quick-fire questions - including why he leaves players to their own devices in their spare time.
Ten Hag is known for establishing strict rules and has given a rare insight into how things run under his leadership at United. The 54-year-old, who has already won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since his arrival, is already facing questions about his future after a mixed-bag start to the season.
United have another important fixture again today when they welcome Tottenham in a crunch clash, with both sides having European ambitions this season. Spurs will head into the game with confidence high following their 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag while United will be looking for a response after a disappointing draw against FC Twente in the same competition.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Ten Hag revealed how much goes into his preparations and that he and the players spend so much time together that staff members 'leave them alone' when they're away from the training pitch.
"We leave them alone because we meet so often and we spend so much time together when we are in a season," Ten Hag said when asked if he or staff members speak to players outside of training and matches. "That is so intense on a daily basis in the training ground because with all the matches we play, we go away on tour, so we have many moments of contact, and then when they have their spare time, we leave them alone.
"Maybe when there's a player for a wedding or for when something happens in the family, and so much special moments like this, you show your interest, but otherwise you leave the players alone."
Ten Hag also explained how he prepares for games, claiming that no matter the amount of time he has, he always makes sure to have time to guide the team as well as himself.
He said: "It [the preparation] depends if we have a one-week slot or we have three or four days after [a game]. Of course, when you have one week, it can be a little bit later on in the week, and when you have a three-day slot then after every game is finished, you go up into the next game.
"You have to deal with it, and of course you need an approach and you have to plan in advance that you have some guidance for yourself but also to make the right decisions and planning [ahead] gives you a lot and it gives you a lot of how you have to guide the team."
About his staff's jobs on matchday, he added: "We do it together, it's not something individual or only from the manager. As a staff we have to choose a game plan and we have to agree on this. Of course, in the end I have to make the final call but it's a common project every game."
